A REFLECTION ON THANKSGIVING

The question is often raised, what are we thankful for this thanksgiving?

The responses frequently are food to eat, family and friends with whom to share the food, the beauty of creation, and the country in which we live. These things are good things for which to be thankful. But often they are named almost as memorized lines, are said so easily deeper thought is not invited.

The invitation to deeper reflection is what draws me back to Philippians 4:8 (NRSV):

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, pay attention to these things.

Paul finds six different words to highlight the ways things can be good in the world: true or honest, honourable or noble, just or fair, pure, pleasing or lovely, commendable or worthy of admiration. The pacing in this verse invites more than just a quick read through. It invites deeper reflection – taking the time to pay attention to what is going on in the world that is good.

Maybe thanksgiving should be more than one day – maybe each day for the next six days we could choose one of the categories highlighted in Phil. 4:8 and spend the day being attentive to that characteristic in the world.

On the first day of our spiritual adventure, we ask ourselves: “What do I see or hear or notice that is true? Where do I see honesty being lived?” Maybe even write notes so at the end of the day we can say “thanks” to God for the true and the honest.

On the second day, we ask ourselves, “What do I see that is honourable or noble?” and spend the day attentive to those things. 

Over the six days instead of paying attention to the bad and the destructive, our minds are turned to spend time on things that are excellent and worthy of being praised.

PRAYER:

O Lord, make us attentive to whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable. So that our lives are filled with praise and thanksgiving to you. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.